A new residential development that created a stir among some Old Town residents is heading to Alexandria’s Planning Commission next week.
The new development at 301 N. Fairfax Street — around two blocks west of Founders Park and two blocks north of City Hall — would create 48 new residential units, along with underground parking with 67 spaces and 10,065 square feet of private open space. Two of those units will be set aside as affordable housing.
The new development has a gross floor area of 97,556 square feet and is four stories tall, replacing a three-story office building constructed in 1977.
The staff report notes that the building went through some modifications to reduce the overall massing of the building and look more similar to other nearby townhouses.
“Some members of the community also expressed concern about the amount of parking,” the staff report said. “It is noted that this project is providing more parking than is required, and residents of the building will not be eligible for Residential Parking Permits (RPPs).”
The project went through community meetings earlier this year and three rounds at the Board of Architectural Review (BAR). The project has a staff recommendation of “approval with conditions” — though the BAR was less enthusiastic.
“[It’s] an improvement, but given this elevation and the scale of the nearby buildings, I think it’s too massive,” said BAR Member Theresa Del Ninno. “I would not be able to support this proposal with the current massing.”
The project is scheduled for review at a Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5, followed by a City Council vote on Saturday, Dec. 16.